Travel to French Polynesia | Complete information French Polynesia Destination
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French Polynesia consists of 5 archipelagos comprising more than 120 islands in the South Pacific, midway between Australia and South America, scattered over an area of Ocean as large as Europe.
The French territory is scattered over 4.5 million km2 near the eastern edges of Polynesia. The volcanic Marquesas Islands are one of the largest island groups in French Polynesia. Poitanu (1,232 metres) is the highest Volcano in the Marquesas. Over 1,000 kilometers South West of the Marquesas Islands lie the Tuamotu islands – an island group consisting entirely of atolls. The Society Islands are the most famous island group in French Polynesia. Tahiti, the economic and cultural center of French Polynesia, lies at the geographical center of the territory. The capital and largest city in French Polynesia is Papeete on Tahiti.
Mount Orohena on Tahiti is the highest mountain in the territory rising 2,241 meters above the sea level.
Ever since the first European reached Tahiti, the society islands of French Polynesia have been synonymous with paradise on earth – a combination of gorgeous beaches, friendly locals and peaceful idyllic lifestyles. This impression was enhanced by the paintings of Paul Gauguin, who lived on Tahiti in the 1890s, and it still rings true today. The 15 or so islands in the group are dominated by Tahiti. Most trade and industry happens here, and many people think it is a country in its own right. However, although it has many attractions – in particular, its rugged and mountainous interior – for a classic white beach and turquoise water speckled with deserted motus (coral atolls), you should head for other islands in the group. Iconic Bora is amongst the best known, but therefore one of the most visited, so for a completely experience try nearby Moorea and Huahine.
Just a short ferry ride from Tahiti, Moorea is a clutch of eight mountains that plunge into a lagoon of iridescent turquoise, fringed on one side by tall palm trees and on the other with breaking waves from the Pacific Ocean. On its placid waters you can sometimes see the crews of outrigger canoes training for races. Huahine is also fringed by a turquoise lagoon. There are a number of bars and restaurants in the small settlement of Fare where the island’s thriving community congregates after sunset. Food stalls are set up in the small car park and impromptu singing sometimes breaks out.
Stunning as Huahine is above the water, the undersea world is equally spectacular. The snorkeling in the lagoon is breathtaking and there are fantastic dives around the reefs at its edge. A local organization attracts black-tipped reef sharks by feeding them; they are relatively harmless, so you will be able to swim with these sleek yet powerful animals – a thrilling experience. Predictably, as part of French Polynesia – formerly an overseas territory of France and now designated an ‘overseas country’ – the Society Islands have a distinctly French feel and a French legal system. Their main revenue comes from the export of the black pearls is that are farmed throughout the islands – beautiful paradise souvenirs of a visit to a tropical paradise.
Such beauty and simplicity cannot fail to fill visitors with complete awe.
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